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‘Ronnie’ under fire at PVIM launch

-as supporter questions suitability to lead as Premier given NDP track record
The challenge to Hon Ronnie W. Skelton’s (AL) ability to take on the role of Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI)—given his track record with the NDP—was openly questioned by vocal, VI social media commentator, Mr Kaream K. Pickering aka "Picko" (in picture). Photo: PVIM
Following the heated Q&A segment, the two met and spoke some more, before posing for a picture together. Photo: PVIM
Following the heated Q&A segment, the two met and spoke some more, before posing for a picture together. Photo: PVIM
FISH BAY, Tortola, VI – The official launch of the Progressive Virgin Islands Movement (PVIM), on Friday, December 7, 2018, saw its Leader, Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton (AL), immediately coming under fire, for his role as a Cabinet member—as such was a party to the plethora of misgivings under the National Democratic Party (NDP) government.

The challenge to Hon Skelton’s ability to take on the role of Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI)—given his track record with the NDP—was openly questioned by vocal, VI social media commentator, Mr Kaream K. Pickering aka "Picko"—much to the chagrin of some of the PVIM supporters gathered for the party’s launch at Skelton Lots, in Fish Bay, Tortola.

‘Ronnie Voted’

"As I said Pier Park, Ronnie was there, $7.2M Airways that he voted for, he was there, all our monies that was squandered, the deficit we in now, Ronnie was there," Pickering said.

"Ronnie was there from 1998 and now he asking us to elect him again and expect different result," questioned Pickering, who used the opportunity to make a pitch for Former Deputy Premier and now PVIM Candidate, Ms R. Dancia Penn-Sallah.

"He was a good Finance Minister, give jack his jacket, I have no issue with that but that does not mean he will be a good Premier; Honourable Dancia for Premier," he suggested, as he expressed his public support for the PVIM.

Hon Skelton, in his defence was adamant, "I voted for things that I think, that are and I still think that are necessary for the country to be developed."

Subsidized Airlines

He referenced the airline debacle and alluded to the fact that in the past government had to be subsidizing American Eagle to land in the Territory and that the government of the day is doing similar, by subsidizing the locally owned airline VI AIrlink, to transport passenger from Antigua.

"You are trying to attack blame on me for implementation of projects outside of the areas that I was responsible for…In Cabinet I approved the airline project... How you went about spending the money you can't hold me responsible for that," said Hon Skelton.

According to the PVIM Leader, "I was the Minister of Finance, I was not the leader of the NDP… if you hold me responsible for things I implemented I wouldn't have no discussion with you I would have said that I am guilty but you cannot hold me guilty for things that I didn't have direct responsibility  for."

The party in a subsequent statement—referencing Pickering’s critique of Hon Skelton—said, “we absolutely welcome that kind of comfortable challenge and exchange and expect it when we’re elected as a government because we will be accountable and transparent with the people."

18 Responses to “‘Ronnie’ under fire at PVIM launch ”

  • east man (08/12/2018, 12:27) Like (35) Dislike (6) Reply
    he got to be sick to want the QC to be premier
  • all the same but (08/12/2018, 13:26) Like (41) Dislike (15) Reply
    I giving Andrew fahie a chnage
    • Pimp (09/12/2018, 10:41) Like (6) Dislike (16) Reply
      Andrew, Sheep & Carvin can’t get a vote out my house.

      What do you call a mathematician, player and a nipple man in the HOA?
  • wize up (08/12/2018, 15:18) Like (21) Dislike (4) Reply
    question: what is the difference between an upholder and the thief ????
    • Jaigon (08/12/2018, 18:52) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
      Size up the old folks say that the upholder is worse than the thief
  • cay (08/12/2018, 15:22) Like (51) Dislike (0) Reply
    This dude got balls mehson
  • NICK (08/12/2018, 16:55) Like (40) Dislike (1) Reply
    I give the young man credit to see that the young ppl is starting to speak out an I agree with him Ronnie u was not the leader but say something
  • musa (08/12/2018, 19:56) Like (8) Dislike (38) Reply
    Ronnie all the way
  • facts (08/12/2018, 20:50) Like (21) Dislike (3) Reply
    Both 1 or 2 must go
  • Wave rider (08/12/2018, 23:26) Like (27) Dislike (33) Reply
    I sat and listened to this young man and I know his mom and he is not exhibiting the manners she taught him. Mouth full of "Ronnie" without the "Honourable before it. Hon. Skelton's "Honourable" was earned. He was voted as a member of our Legislative Council. While I love to see young people join the fray in letting their voices be heard, if the aspire to elected office one day they should be careful how they speak to Membets. And Hon. Skelton must be the best choice and biggest threat to have everybody jumping all over him: NDP, VIP, BLOGGERS. GO PVIM. They recognize that you are our best hope. So much attention and enrrgy to send their daggers and cynicidm over the blogs. They are attacking you for a reason. We see you. We see your hearts and we will vote for you. Ride thr blue wave. Surfs Up.
  • Political Observer (PO) (09/12/2018, 08:34) Like (14) Dislike (4) Reply
    The Hon Skelton give a spirited response to an animated questioner on his complicit role in the lack of effective stewardship of the taxpayers resources. The Hon Skelton tried to sidestep his involvement in the squandering of taxpayers money by claiming that though he voted in Cabinet for the projects, he was not leader of the party nor MoF and therefore not responsible for the poor project execution. Well, no so fast. The Hon Skelton has a responsibility for authorizing and approximating project funding and also for ensuring that appropriated funds are spent effectively for their intended purpose. The Hon Skelton defence would have been more credible if he had forcefully spoken out when the profligate spending was occuring. But of course, he was part of team and went clean off the cliff with the leader and team. As the Eagle and Buffalo says, “Let’s lead like eagles, not careen off the cliff like buffaloes.” The Hon Skelton Skelton, Walwyn, Pickering, Vanterpool, Archibald and Penn were accomplices in the the propligate spending. There are no Pilates here. One cannot embrace the good that a party does and shun the bad; you are responsible for the whole hog. In management one is responsible for actions taken, as well as for actions not taken but should have. The Hon Skelton should have bolted long ago if felt things were going off the rail but the leadership was not listening. The come lately mea culpa is luke warm. What happened on that Asia trip, if anything?
  • BABYGIRL (09/12/2018, 11:56) Like (9) Dislike (13) Reply
    Ronnie u have my vote all the way go Ronnie go.
  • 911 (09/12/2018, 15:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can't blame the white man this time.
  • Dancia who? (09/12/2018, 17:28) Like (3) Dislike (3) Reply
    Noooo! This is one candidate who we can look at her track record. All walk and talk and no action. Please don’t make that mistake Ronnie. No time now for talkers. she is tried, tested and her time is long gone! Stop recycling people.
  • musa (09/12/2018, 20:48) Like (6) Dislike (1) Reply
    Vote God in our life first then Ronnie
  • Dancia Who?? (10/12/2018, 20:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Big up to QC Dancia Penn Sallah, a woman of class and integrity. Was her name ever called in mishandling of our funds? was she ever looked at as a Thief? Dancia can walk on any stage locally, regionally or internationally and hold her head high. Who can touch her? She is qualified to hold any position in Government. Can we say the same for All?
    Who was she associated with when some claimed that she did nothing? Who or watch caused the VIP to win elections in twenty oh seven? Who turned on her in twenty eleven? Dancia is the best thing that Ronnie could ever come with. And, NO I am neither stupid, dumb or being compensated by Dancia. I call it how I see it. Wish you folks would do the same. The BVI has become soo EVIL that they don't know a good thing when they see it just because of self greed,evil, hatred and WIIFM. What's in it for me...…..


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